​Festival time at North East Artisans is here - with the Rite of Spring exhibition and the East End Street Party happening later today. There will be lots of activity in the events room, now a dual purpose second gallery space, with the opening of the Rite of Spring exhibition at NEA at 5 pm on Friday and the East End Street Party on outside. More news to come! Click on the poster image for a slide show of the Rite of Spring's poster collection.

Art shows are on in abundance, with the 2016 Benalla Festival Regional Art Show at Tatong organised by NEA member De Sales Turner and supported well by NEA artisans. This year Tim Bowtell won the acquisitional 'Best in Show' prize with his painting 'Chinese New Era' and Julie Guppy. 'Best Local Artist' with her painting.'Tall Trees'. Judges were Tony Flint and Shanlee Cleeland.. Speaking to de Sales, it seems Tim's painting will hang at different times in community locations. The Art Show at Tatong is open until Sunday 6th November.

Merv Beamish recently donated a painting as a fundraiser for the Benalla Shorts Film Festival. Merv's painting was won by Laurie Watters, pictured here with Tim Bowtell at the Cup Eve Picnic Party when her horse in the phantom cup call won the race. (I bought lots of tickets - hoping I'd take Merv's painiting home with me!)

While workshops have quietened down a little, the last week has seen a healthy lift in sales at NEA's Gift Shop and Gallery, including larger sales by artists who have been supporting NEA by exhibiting and taking studios. Good things can come to those who wait! At least one of our artisans in wood has received a commission which was also exciting to hear. We have very much enjoyed having Colin Robson's sculptures and bird nesting boxes in the gallery over the past year - Colin is taking a break for a while, but we are hopeful he will return soon. ​

It's interesting following up on activities of past and present NEA artisans. Karthika and Beth have taken their passions a step further recently - opening shops in picturesque Nunn Street - Karthika 'Good Vibes Store - Organic and Eco Products' and Beth 'Beth's doll house- toys for girls and boys'.

Many artisans are on facebook - with a link to their Facebook page through the Artisans Index. This came through Margaret Zaal's this week. Isn't it beautiful!

BL

​**'The Occasional Blogger' is open for submissions by NEA members who may, from time to time, have a strong urge to write about NEA for this column!.